In a letter addressed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley recently urged federal officials to consider awarding Oregon a planning grant of up to $2.5 million to enhance school-based health services funded by Medicaid in the state. The senators expressed their support for the Oregon Health Authority’s grant application, emphasizing that the planning grant would assist the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education in preparing schools to offer a comprehensive approach to students’ medical and behavioral health needs within the school environment.
The senators also highlighted the importance of providing technical assistance, training, and community engagement to support school districts and local education agencies in implementing these services effectively. Furthermore, they commended Oregon for taking the initiative to expand the use of Medicaid to cover a wide range of health services in schools beyond those listed in individualized education programs and individualized service plans.
In their letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the senators expressed optimism about the potential impact of the grant funding on enhancing the provision of Medicaid-funded school-based health services in Oregon. They expressed confidence that the Oregon Health Authority would effectively utilize the grant funding to address existing gaps in the delivery of these services.